Zuni Bear Medicine Jar

Description

Item: MJ002

This six ounce medicine jar’s lid has been capped in 26 gauge Sterling silver and is crowned with a genuine Zuni bear fetish, carved from Rainbow Calsilica by Michael Mahooty (see below).

Rainbow Calsilica is a controversial stone because there are different stories about its origin. One story is that it is mined in Chihuahua, Mexico, is naturally occurring, and that the green and blue colors come from a mineral called allophone clay. The other reported story is that Calsilica may be left over sedimentary layers from a century old tile cutting factory; being formed from calcite, man-made pigments, and man-made bonding agents. Whichever story is true, Calisilica is a very beautiful material
with a hardness of 3.0 to 4.0 on the Mohs scale.

The metaphysical qualities of Calsilica come from its rainbow of colors. It encourages listening to intuitive guidance and living with integrity of purpose. It enhances mental function, helps strengthen and balance the heart, and improves attentiveness, acuity, and analytical aptitude. The healing properties of the wide-ranging colors are also useful in balancing glucose metabolism. The Sterling silver on the lid serves to enhance the energies of the stones around it, while also strengthening the connection
between the astral and physical planes.

To the Zuni, the bear represents immense healing and is a symbol of supreme power, strength, solitude, and introspection. The bear is one of the Zuni’s six main directional guardians, protecting the West. It is believed that the power of the Great Spirit breathes within bear. He is a champion in helping us overcome the depression of the spirit that is often connected with the deep introspective cycle of
change and growth. Bear reminds us that this type of isolation is actually a necessary state of hibernation. His wisdom reminds us that solitude is an immense power that we all, at times, need to focus on, in order to connect to our inner world. Bear teaches us how to go within and find the primal source that is essential for our survival. The Zuni regard the bear as invaluable when facing
change, transition, and growth.

The fetish includes a medicine bundle tied to its back by animal sinew. These
bundles are meant as a gift offering to the animal spirit. The bundles provide the
animal spirit with energy, enhancing its powers and allowing its prayers to be
heard more easily. The arrowhead pointing forward also defends it from obstacles
in the future.

Placing your keepsakes, herbs, or medicine in the Native American Medicine Jar
infuses them with these powerful, timeless energies. Experience the power of Native
American Medicine and own an amazingly unique fusion of art and ancient wisdom.
Michael Mahooty began carving at the age of 12, after his father, a well-known Zuni
silversmith and carver, passed away. His brother taught him a few things, but then
Michael learned the rest on his own. His masterful talents allow him to use very
dense stones to create very memorable fetishes. He creates traditional fetishes
such as turtles and bears, as well as modern figures, including butterflies and
elephants.

Jar measures: 3 1/4″ tall x 2 1/2″ diameter (without fetish).